Study in the time of COVID-19 (2019/20 intake): online learning, the rule of six and who knows what's next? Anything could happen!

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Following on from the previous thread as our young adults start their second year at universities up and down the land (and some overseas too!).

Did you see that Durham and Edge Hill Universities are to take part in a study to see just how prevalent COVID-19 is? Sorry I did see a news article about it yesterday (which I glanced at fleetingly) but can't seem to find the link now?

Usually universities will just communicate with the student although if the student agrees then they can certainly communicate with the parent within data protection law. In September one of my sons asked me to contact his and they emailed me back the same day.

I’m quite happy to not receive updates. DD is 20 now after all.There is an info for parents section on their website if I need it.
No I hadn’t heard that @NewModelArmyMayhem18.

Thank you Newmodel yes it’s been horrible and now it seems the tooth has to come out..... My two DDs are managing ok but they have absolutely no f2f and are missing the buzz of their courses and normal lives so it is a tough call.

You poor thing @Baytreemum.

I'm just waiting to hear what is going to happen in terms of them being able to come home for Christmas.

"Rags" my DS changed from 4 years to 3 at the start of term because he was worried about securing a placement for a year. He is currently trying to get the short term year 2 internship, and there's not much available so he will probably have to continue with his lessons.

So far tier 3 has been fine and he is happy, but he says loads will break the rules and meet up with their friends.

Gin I think parents/cares had to 'opt in' to receive communication, it wasn't sent automatically (my DH clearly 'opted in' ). At the risk of sounding like a backpacker I am fairly relieved to have the communication . Of course I know that our young people are of legal adult age but many of us are still financially supporting them and I appreciate the communication and the constant reminders of where students can get support if they need it. My DS is fairly robust and gets on with things but I do know some are struggling.

As another lockdown looks to be on the horizon I wonder whether some DC would be better off coming home. I know universities are exempt but if all is online anyway and their few leisure outlets are unavailable it could well be a source of tension for some like my DS, being cooped up with a bunch if slobby lads. I am afraid to ask him the question as I know that DH would prefer that he stay there. Anyone else in this situation?

I think it depends on the house/flat situation and the people they are sharing with. DD would far rather stay with her friends than come home.

Our Ds would definitely stay in his halls. When I last spoke to him about Christmas he said he was only coming home for a week max
I'm 50/50 being proud of his independence against sad he doesn't want to be here. Trouble is he an only child (adult) we live in the countryside and it's boring for him.

I'm just broaching this question with ds now! Argghhh!

Same situation here @whereshalligo

DS has only just retaken up going to the gym . He is really bleak about a lockdown. He doesn't enjoy studying, whether from home or F2F and the only things he likes are going tot he pub to watcha bit of football and meeting up with mates. I think he is going to go downhill to be honest. He really doesn't want to be stuck inside his cramped house.

Haven’t spoken to DD for a few weeks. Just the odd text but I reckon she’d rather be with 4 best mates than us I’m sure. We are tier 1 and she’s in tier 2 anyway so I’m not sure it would be wise to start moving about. Who knows though. I feel fed up, had a bad back all week and so my half term break has been spent largely immobile. Was just starting to think about Christmas plans and possible guests but I guess that’s pointless now. DD2 has announced that lockdown 2.0 which would leave school open is the worst scenario ever!

It's such a worry Piggy.
I hope your back improves Benji

I think DS would be the same @whereshalligo and @Ginfordinner.

Oh watch out for disrupting the narrative benji All children are skipping to school every day, beatifically beaming , behaving delightfully and very very grateful for all the opportunities to learn. If they closed schools down, MN children would break in in order to receive learning

DH says there’s talk of secondaries being an issue - so may be some sort of closure for them?

DS seemed happy with the new routines due to covid - knuckling down better! He likes studying in his room there. But what a shame if the sport just started up can’t continue. Especially as Durham infections seem to be decreasing a lot.

We were due to go and see DD in Bristol next weekend - she is VERY uncharacteristically saying she’s missing us, so I would like to see her in person and check she’s OK.

DS is gutted at the prospect of another lockdown. Having already had Covid earlier his month, along with 90% of his mates, locking himself away for a month doesn't make sense to him. He would however definitely prefer to stay in Durham for Lockdown 2 rather than come home.

Sorry to hear about your back Benji.

Piggy, you have a wicked sense of humour and I do enjoy reading your posts.

Will we all be tuning into Boris's 5pm news conference this afternoon. It's all moved so ridiculously quickly in less than 24 hours....

@Jano69, hasn’t it? I wonder if we will all be moved to Tier 3 or if he’ll have made up another category. Because it isn’t going to be a lockdown if schools and unis are open

I haven't actually heard from either DC but will wait and see what is announced at 5pm before trying again. My DS sounds a lot like yours @piggywaspushed, which is why I think he might prefer to come back here. At least it would be a change of scene and he'd have the dog. DD likes her independence so I doubt she will want to come home.

Thanks jan Got to keep the pecker up

Who knows bigTilly? The only thing I do know is the public are less compliant as we're so sick of the government's condescending and authoritarian approach. I'd have so much more respect if they were a bit more honest that they don't know how to resolve this mess but trying their best...